Lakewood's Promise

I like the idea of neighborhood associations.  I like the fact that people, sharing a common area of town,  have opportunities to get together and discuss what goes on in a neighborly way.  I like the fact that you can talk with City representatives, police officers, fire personnel, guest speakers, as well as neighborhood residents and business owners.

I like all of that.

I have attended a number of neighborhood association meetings all over town and have always come out with a smile on my face because I learned something cool, met someone new, shared my news, and enjoyed a tasty treat.  Granted,  I have always been easy to please but these meetings are fun and informative. Have you ever wondered what the sirens you heard were for, or why a house got demolished, or if you heard gunshots a particular night?  Those questions are answered at neighborhood association meetings.  Do you have an issue that needs to be addressed concerning the neighborhood?  Are you concerned about youth with nothing to do? Do you not feel safe?  Bring it up at the meeting.  Their purpose is to get neighborhoods talking, officials listening, and hopefully prompt all concerned to take action.

Lakewood has a number of neighborhood associations.   You can find the list, meeting dates and times by clicking here.

What amazes me is why most neighborhood association meetings are not well-attended.  They really should be bursting beyond the capacity of the meeting place and forcing the Association leaders to seek out larger venues.  Sometimes there are only a handful of residents representing a neighborhood of thousands.  Unbelievable.  To me, a vibrant neighborhood association meeting should have in attendance:

• Scores of residents – youth, adults and seniors
• School representatives from the neighborhood
• Business owners from the neighborhood
• Neighborhood restaurants bringing food to share
• Faith community representatives
• Parks people
• Elected officials
• City employees
• Police, Fire, etc..

I also feel that that the organization structure of all the neighborhood associations should include a youth representative. (After all this is the Lakewood’s Promise ‘blog).

This shameless plug is in response to an email I received from the Lakeview Neighborhood Association – seeking more participation for their group.  They have pizza at their meetings – how cool is that?  Hopefully this will help.  I’ll see you guys next Thursday – save me a slice of pepperoni.